The A9 chipset (2015) brought big CPU/GPU gains and a split manufacturing approach.
Key Features:
- CPU: 2-core “Twister” (70% faster than A8)
- GPU: PowerVR GT7600 (6-core, 90% faster than A8)
- Process: Samsung 14nm or TSMC 16nm (controversial “chipgate”)
- RAM: 2GB (finally! Used in iPhone 6S/SE, iPad 5th Gen)
Why it stood out:
🚀 Near-desktop-class performance (Apple claimed “console-level graphics”)
📸 Live Photos & 4K video (6S camera features needed horsepower)